Cut back any grass or plants along a walk or driveway you're resurfacing, and press foam backer rods into expansion joints so you won't end up filling them with resurfacer.

Pretreat stains, which can interfere with bonding, using muriatic acid. Dilute the acid in a plastic pail or spray bottle by adding 1 part of 20 percent acid to 4 parts water (see Warning). Carefully apply the acid solution to the affected areas using a brush or spray bottle. Allow it to work for a few minutes, then hose it off.

Wash surfaces from the center outward. Use a hose and nozzle or (better) a pressure washer, which you can rent.

Use a shop vacuum to clear loose material out of cracks. Don't blow it out or you'll contaminate the surfaces you just cleaned.

After you've gathered your tools, soak the surface with water and brush off any standing water.

Mix the resurfacer with water as directed, using a 1/2-inch (12-mm) drill with a paddle mixer.

Level depressions and fill small cracks. Allow these repairs to dry before coating the entire surface.

On horizontal surfaces, apply resurfacer with a trowel on small areas, such as stair treads, or with a wide squeegee on large areas, such as walks. For vertical surfaces, such as stair risers, mix the material with slightly more water and apply it with a plaster brush. Have containers of water available so you can quickly rinse off trowels and brooms between uses. Work in manageable sections. Proper application techniques take some practice, and the material sets up quickly (in about 20 minutes).

Finish and texture the material as you apply it. For a smooth surface, use a steel trowel in a circular pattern. For a slightly rougher texture, use a wood float, which you can make by putting a handle on a block of wood that has slightly rounded corners. For the very rough finish typical of sidewalks, draw a stiff broom or brush across the surface.

Things You Will Need

Muriatic Acid

Concrete Resurfacer

Foam Backer Rods

Paddle Mixer

Steel Towel

Brush

Hose And Nozzle

Plaster Brush

Stiff Broom Or Brush

Wide Squeegee

Mixing Container

1/2-inch (12-mm) Drill

Pressure Washer

Shop Vacuum

Wood Float

Plastic pail and brush, or spray bottle

Tip

Use liquid-concrete colorant as directed to color the resurfacer.

Warnings

Muriatic acid is highly corrosive. Read the warning label carefully. Wear goggles and rubber gloves, and never add the water to the acid. It will spatter like water added to hot fat.

Wear work gloves, knee pads and other protective clothing as needed.

About the Author

This article was written by a professional writer, copy edited and fact checked through a multi-point auditing system, in efforts to ensure our readers only receive the best information. To submit your questions or ideas, or to simply learn more, see our about us page: link below.